Finding accommodation in Germany
1. Required Documents for Renting in Germany:
When you’re looking to rent an apartment or house in Germany, landlords (Vermieter) typically request several documents. The most common documents include:
- Passport or ID card: A valid identification document.
- Schufa-Auskunft: A credit report (equivalent to a credit score in Germany) provided by Schufa, a German credit agency.
- Pay slips (Gehaltsnachweise): The last three pay slips to prove your ability to pay rent.
- Proof of employment (Arbeitsvertrag): A work contract or employment confirmation.
- Bank statement (Kontoauszüge): Some landlords request a bank statement to ensure you have a regular income.
- References from the previous landlord (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung): A certificate from your former landlord confirming that you have no outstanding rent debts.
- Proof of home insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung): Some rentals require liability insurance.
2. Where to Find Accommodation in Germany:
Several websites can help you find housing in Germany, whether for long-term rentals or temporary stays:
- Immobilienscout24 (immobilienscout24.de): The largest real estate portal in Germany.
- Immonet (immonet.de) : Another major site for property listings.
- WG-Gesucht (wg-gesucht.de) : Very popular for shared apartments (WG – Wohngemeinschaft) and short-term rentals.
- eBay Kleinanzeigen (ebay-kleinanzeigen.de) : A classifieds site where you can also find apartments for rent.
- Homelike (thehomelike.com) : Specializes in rentals for expats and long-term stays.
3. Average Housing Prices in Germany (by City and Number of Rooms):
To maximize the available benefits and allowances, here are a few practical tips:
Housing prices in Germany vary depending on the city, neighborhood, and number of rooms. Below is an estimate of the average monthly prices for an unfurnished apartment in 2024:
| Town | 1-room apartment (Studio) | 2-room apartment | 3-room apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 800 - 1 200 € | 1 200 - 1 800 € | 1 600 - 2 500 € |
| Munich (München) | 1 000 - 1 600 € | 1 500 - 2 400 € | 2 000 - 3 500 € |
| Hambourg (Hamburg) | 900 - 1 300 € | 1 300 - 2 000 € | 1 800 - 2 800 € |
| Francfort (Frankfurt) | 900 - 1 400 € | 1 400 - 2 200 € | 1 800 - 3 000 € |
| Cologne (Köln) | 800 - 1 200 € | 1 200 - 1 800 € | 1 600 - 2 500 € |
| Düsseldorf | 850 - 1 300 € | 1 300 - 1 900 € | 1 700 - 2 600 € |
| Stuttgart | 900 - 1 400 € | 1 300 - 2 100 € | 1 800 - 2 800 € |
| Leipzig | 500 - 800 € | 800 - 1 200 € | 1 100 - 1 700 € |
| Dresde (Dresden) | 550 - 850 € | 850 - 1 300 € | 1 200 - 1 800 € |
These prices vary depending on the exact location, with central neighborhoods often being more expensive than the outskirts.
4. Tips for Renting in Germany:
- It is common for apartments to be rented unfurnished in Germany, which sometimes even includes the absence of kitchen fixtures (like cupboards or a sink).
- Some landlords require a security deposit (Kaution), which can be up to three months’ rent.
- The rental market in Germany is often very competitive, especially in big cities. It’s recommended to act quickly and have all your documents ready.
5. Advice: How Far in Advance Should You Start Looking for Housing?
In Germany, the rental market can be highly competitive, especially in large cities like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg. Here are some tips to optimize your search based on the city:
- Major cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt): If you’re looking for accommodation in these popular cities, it’s recommended to start your search at least 3 to 4 months in advance. Demand is very high, and available rentals can be taken up quickly, sometimes within a few days.
- Mid-sized cities (Stuttgart, Cologne, Düsseldorf): In these cities, starting your search 2 to 3 months in advance should be sufficient. While demand is still high, it’s less intense than in Berlin or Munich.
- Smaller towns or rural areas: Here, the market is generally more relaxed, and starting your search 1 to 2 months in advance is usually enough.
- Be flexible for viewings: Many landlords organize group viewings (“Besichtigungstermine”). It’s important to be flexible and available quickly to show your interest.
- Prepare all documents in advance: As soon as you find a property you’re interested in, it’s crucial to send your complete application quickly, with the documents mentioned earlier. This increases your chances of being selected among the candidates.